Sometimes a filling isn’t enough. Big fractures, deep cracks, or large failing restorations can leave a tooth vulnerable to breaking again. A dental crown acts like a protective helmet—covering the entire visible portion to restore strength, function, and appearance.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A crown is a custom, tooth-shaped cap made from porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or a combination of materials. It is cemented over a prepared tooth to:

• Reinforce compromised structure
• Restore height and shape for proper bite
• Protect after a root canal
• Improve color and aesthetics
• Replace missing tooth structure when decay is extensive

When Do You Need A Crown?

• Large, old fillings with new cracks or recurrent decay
• Fractured cusps and weakened tooth walls
• Root-canal-treated teeth (often more brittle)
• Severely worn teeth from grinding or acid erosion
• Cosmetic indications when veneers aren’t appropriate

Crown Materials: Which Is Best?

• All-Ceramic/Porcelain: Great aesthetics for front teeth; lifelike translucency.
• Zirconia: Very strong, suitable for back teeth and heavy bites; increasingly aesthetic.
• Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM): Strong, time-tested; may show a gray line at the gum over time.
  We’ll guide material choice based on location, bite forces, and cosmetic goals.

The Crown Process At Pak Dental

1) Diagnosis And Planning

We evaluate the tooth, discuss your goals, and recommend the best material. If a root canal or core build-up is necessary, we plan that first.

2) Tooth Preparation

Under local anesthetic, we shape the tooth conservatively to create space for the crown walls. Any decay is removed, and a core build-up is placed if needed for support.

3) Digital Scan Or Impression

We capture precise details for the dental lab. You’ll leave with a well-fitting temporary crown to protect your tooth.

4) Custom Fabrication

Our partner lab designs your crown for accurate fit, color match, and natural anatomy.

5) Try-In And Cementation

At your seat appointment, we verify fit, contacts, and shade. Once approved, we bond or cement the crown and polish the margins.

Most cases take two visits, though same-day solutions may be possible depending on case specifics.

Life With A Crown: Care And Longevity

Crowns regularly last 10–15 years or longer with excellent care. Remember: the supporting tooth and gums still need daily attention.

• Brush and floss daily (use floss threaders or super-floss if contacts are tight).
• Wear a nightguard if you grind.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard objects.
• Keep up with professional cleanings and checkups.

Crown Vs. Filling Vs. Onlay

• Filling: Good for small to moderate defects; not ideal when walls are thin or cracks are present.
• Onlay: Partial coverage restoration—great for saving healthy enamel while reinforcing weak cusps.
• Crown: Full coverage when the tooth is significantly compromised.

Sensitivity, Adjustments, And FAQs

Will it feel bulky?
Your bite might feel different for a day or two. If it doesn’t settle, we’ll fine-tune your bite quickly.

Can crowns stain?
Glazed ceramic resists staining better than natural enamel. Maintain routine cleanings to keep margins healthy.

What if my temporary comes off?
Call us. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing hard foods on that side until we recement or replace the temporary.

Cost And Insurance

Insurance often covers a portion of crowns when medically necessary. We provide estimates up front and help you understand benefits and options.

Restore Strength, Protect Your Smile

If a tooth keeps chipping, feels sensitive when chewing, or has a large old filling with cracks—crowning it now can prevent a painful fracture later.

Pak Dental
4373 Interpark Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(248) 243-4876